Encoded signal characteristic point recording apparatus

ABSTRACT

A characteristic point detection circuit detects a characteristic point from a base band video signal and generates a characteristic point file. A compressed video signal received from the digital satellite broadcast is supplied to a multiplexing circuit as it is in the form of a bit stream. The multiplexing circuit multiplexes the compressed video signal and characteristic point file. A control circuit obtains the characteristic point file from an optical disc during reproduction, and controls reproduction of the compressed video signal. As described herein above, the supplied compressed video signal is recorded in a recording medium without deterioration of the image quality, and the recorded video signal accepts random access.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for recording, anapparatus and method for reproducing, an apparatus and method forrecording/reproducing, a recording medium, and a distribution medium andmore particularly to an apparatus and method for recording, an apparatusand method for reproducing, an apparatus and method forrecording/reproducing, a recording medium, and a distribution mediumwhich are suitably used for recording video signals and reproducingrecorded video signals.

2. Description of Related Art

Recently, DVD-RAM has been proposed as a recordable optical disk. Such arecordable optical disk is proposed as a large capacity medium havingseveral G bytes, and is promising as a medium for recording AV (AudioVisual) signals such as video signals.

As the supply source of digital AV signals which are possible to berecorded in a recordable optical disk, currently VHS or 8 mm video tapesand digital satellite broadcast are available, and in future, digitalground wave television broadcast will be available.

Digital video signals supplied from such sources are generallycompressed according to MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group)-2 system.Therefore, when a digital video signal supplied from such source isrecorded in the recordable optical disk, a video signal compressedaccording to MPEG-2 system is once decoded, then encoded according toMPEG-2 system, and recorded in the recordable optical disk.

However, such processing including decoding, encoding, and subsequentrecording in an optical disk results in deteriorated image quality ofthe recorded video signal.

In order to minimize the deterioration of image quality, a method inwhich a supplied bit stream is recorded as it is in a recordable opticaldisk without encoding and decoding a compressed video signal suppliedfrom a source has been developed. In other words, the method in whichthe optical disk is used as a data streamer has been developed.

There is no management data for random access to a recorded bit streamin the recordable optical disk in which a video signal is recordedwithout encoding and decoding as described herein above. In detail, inthe optical disk in which the video signal is recorded as describedherein above, no management information for indicating a sector positionwhere the provided program starts is recorded. Therefore, in the case ofan optical disk in which a bit stream from a source as described hereinabove is recorded as it is, random access to the recorded video signalis impossible, the greatest advantage of a disk type recording medium islimited.

If an optical disk in which a bit stream formed by encoding an analoginput in a recording apparatus is recorded is distinguished from anoptical disc in which a bit stream supplied from a source is recorded asit is, the recording/reproducing apparatus involves two types of opticaldisk resultantly, such mechanism leads to high cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was accomplished in view of such problem, and itis the object of the present invention to provide capability to record asupplied compressed video signal without deterioration of image qualityand capability to take random access to the recorded video signal.

A recording apparatus according to one aspect of the present inventionis provided with a file generation means for generating files whichcontain video or audio signals, a characteristic point informationgeneration means for generating the characteristic point information ofthe video or audio signals contained in the files for each filegenerated by the file generation means, and a recording means forrecording the files and characteristic point information in a recordingmedium.

A recording method according to another aspect of the present inventionincludes a file generation step for generating files which contain videoor audio signals, a characteristic point information generation step forgenerating the characteristic point information of the video or audiosignals contained in the files for each file generated by the filegeneration step, and a recording step for recording the files andcharacteristic point information in a recording medium.

A distribution medium according to another aspect of the presentinvention for distributing a program which is possible to be read by acomputer for controlling an information processing apparatus to performprocessing includes a file generation step for generating files whichcontain video or audio signals, a characteristic point informationgeneration step for generating the characteristic point information ofthe video or audio signals contained in the files for each filegenerated in the file generation step, and a recording step forrecording the files and characteristic point information in a recordingmedium.

A reproducing apparatus according to another aspect of the presentinvention is provided with a file reproducing means for reproducingfiles which contain video or audio signals recorded in a recordingmedium, a characteristic point information reproducing means forreproducing the characteristic point information of the video or audiosignals contained in the files recorded in the recording medium for eachfile reproduced by the file regeneration means, and a reproductioncontrol means for controlling reproduction of the files based on thecharacteristic point information reproduced by the characteristic pointinformation reproducing means.

A reproducing method according to another aspect of the presentinvention includes a file reproducing step for reproducing files whichcontain video or audio signals recorded in a recording medium, acharacteristic point information reproducing step for reproducing thecharacteristic point information of the video or audio signals containedin the files recorded in the recording medium for each file reproducedin the file reproduction step, and a reproduction control step forcontrolling reproduction of the file based on the characteristic pointinformation reproduced in the characteristic point informationreproducing step.

A distribution medium, according to another aspect of the presentinvention, for distributing a program which is possible to be read by acomputer for controlling an information processing apparatus to performprocessing includes a file reproducing step for reproducing files whichcontain video or audio signals recorded in a recording medium, acharacteristic point information reproducing step for reproducing thecharacteristic point information of the video or audio signals containedin the files recorded in the recording medium for each file reproducedin the file reproducing step, and a reproduction control step forcontrolling reproduction of the file based on the characteristic pointinformation reproduced in the characteristic point informationreproducing step.

A recording apparatus according to another aspect of the presentinvention is provided with an input means for receiving an input signalwhich contains at least video signals, a characteristic pointinformation detection means for detecting the characteristic pointinformation of the video signal based on a signal contained in the inputsignal, a video signal recording means for recording at least the videosignal out of signals contained in the input signal in a recordingmedium, and a characteristic point information write means for writingthe characteristic point information in a recording medium.

A recording method according to another aspect of the present inventionincludes an input step for receiving an input signal which contains atleast video signals, an characteristic point information detection stepfor detecting the characteristic point information of the video signalbased on a signal contained in the input signal, a video signalrecording step for recording at least video signals out of signalscontained in the input signals in a recording medium, and acharacteristic point information write step for writing thecharacteristic point information in a recording medium.

A distribution medium, according to another aspect of the presentinvention, for distributing programs which are possible to be read by acomputer for controlling an information processing apparatus to performprocessing includes an input step for receiving an input signal whichcontains at least a video signal, a characteristic point informationdetection step for detecting the characteristic point information of thevideo signal based on a signal contained in the input signal, a videosignal recording step for recording at least a video signal out ofsignals contained in the input signal in a recording medium, and acharacteristic point information write step for writing thecharacteristic point information in a recording medium.

A recording/reproducing apparatus according to another aspect of thepresent invention is provided with a file generation means forgenerating files which contain video or audio signals, a characteristicpoint information generation means for generating the characteristicpoint information of the video or audio signals contained in the filesfor each file generated by the file generation means, a recording meansfor recording the files and characteristic point information in arecording medium, a file reproducing means for reproducing files whichcontain video or audio signals recorded in a recording medium, acharacteristic point information reproducing means for reproducing thecharacteristic point information of the video or audio signals containedin the files recorded in the recording medium for each file reproducedby the file regeneration means, and a reproduction control means forcontrolling reproduction of the files based on the characteristic pointinformation reproduced by the characteristic point informationreproducing means.

A recording/reproducing method according to another aspect of thepresent invention includes a file generation step for generating fileswhich contain video or audio signals, a characteristic point informationgeneration step for generating the characteristic point information ofthe video or audio signals contained in the files for each filegenerated by the file generation step, a recording step for recordingthe files and characteristic point information in a recording medium, afile reproducing step for reproducing files which contain video or audiosignals recorded in a recording medium, a characteristic pointinformation reproducing step for reproducing the characteristic pointinformation of the video or audio signals contained in the filesrecorded in the recording medium for each file reproduced in the filereproduction step, and a reproduction control step for controllingreproduction of the file based on the characteristic point informationreproduced in the characteristic point information reproducing step.

A distribution medium, according to another aspect of the presentinvention, for distributing programs which are possible to be read by acomputer for controlling an information processing apparatus to performprocessing includes a file generation step for generating files whichcontain video or audio signals, a characteristic point informationgeneration step for generating the characteristic point information ofthe video or audio signals contained in the files for each filegenerated in the file generation step, a recording step for recordingthe files and characteristic point information in a recording medium, afile reproducing step for reproducing files containing video or audiosignals recorded in a recording medium, a characteristic pointinformation reproducing step for reproducing the characteristic pointinformation of the video or audio signals contained in the filesrecorded in the recording medium for each file reproduced in the filereproducing step, and a reproduction control step for controllingreproduction of the file based on the characteristic point informationreproduced in the characteristic point information reproducing step.

In the recording apparatus according to one aspect of the presentinvention, the recording method described in claim 5, and thedistribution medium described in claim 6, the characteristic pointinformation of video or audio signals in the file is recorded in arecording medium for each file.

In the reproducing according to another aspect of the present invention,the reproducing method according to one aspect of the present invention,and the distribution medium according to one aspect of the presentinvention, reproduction of the file is controlled based on thecharacteristic point information recorded in a recording medium for eachfile.

In the recording apparatus according to another aspect of the presentinvention, the recording method according to another aspect of thepresent invention, and the distribution medium according to anotheraspect of the present invention, the characteristic point information ofthe video signal is detected and recorded in a recording medium togetherwith the video signal.

In the recording/reproducing apparatus according to another aspect ofthe present invention, the recording/reproducing method according toanother aspect of the present invention, and the distribution mediumaccording to another aspect of the present invention, files and thecharacteristic point information of each file are recorded in arecording medium. The reproduction of the file is controlledcorrespondingly to the reproduced characteristic point information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing the structure of the directory.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing VOLUME.TOC.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing volume_information

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing volume_attribute

FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing resume ( ).

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing volume rating ( ).

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing write_protect ( ).

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing play_protect ( ).

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing recording_timer ( ).

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing text_block ( ).

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing language_set ( ).

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing text_item ( ).

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing ALBUM. STR.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing album ( ).

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing TITLE_###. VDR.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing title_info ( ).

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing PROGRAM_$$$. PGI.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing program ( ).

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing play_list ( ).

FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing play_item ( ).

FIG. 21 is a diagram for describing CHUNKGROUP_###. CGIT.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for describing chunk_connection_info ( ).

FIG. 23 is a diagram for describing chunk arrangement_info ( ).

FIG. 24 is a diagram for describing CHUNK_%%%%. ABST.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram for illustrating an exemplary structure of anoptical disc apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for describing the structure of the directory.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for describing the logic structure of thedirectory.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for describing offset.

FIG. 29 is a diagram for describing the structure of the directory.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for describing the structure of the directory.

FIG. 31 is a diagram for describing the logic structure of thedirectory.

FIG. 32 is a diagram for describing the structure of the directory.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for describing the structure of the directory.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for describing the logic structure of thedirectory.

FIG. 35 is a diagram for describing the logic structure of thedirectory.

FIGS. 36A-36B are a block diagram for illustrating another structureexample of an optical disc apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart for describing accumulation and recordingprocessing of the characteristic point information.

FIG. 38 is a diagram for describing field_type_id.

FIG. 39 is a diagram for describing info_type.

FIG. 40 is a diagram for describing cognizant_recording_indicator.

FIG. 41 is a diagram for describing slot_unit_type.

FIG. 42 is a diagram for describing bitstream_attribute ( ).

FIG. 43 is a diagram for describing bitstream_attribute_id.

FIG. 44 is a diagram for describing attribute_type.

FIG. 45 is a diagram for describing video_attribute ( ).

FIG. 46 is a diagram for describing input_video_source.

FIG. 47 is a diagram for describing video_compression_mode.

FIG. 48 is a diagram for describing picture_rate.

FIG. 49 is a diagram for describing picture_scan_type.

FIG. 50 is a diagram for describing vertical_lines.

FIG. 51 is a diagram for describing aspect_ratio.

FIG. 52 is a diagram for describing pixel_ratio.

FIG. 53 is a diagram for describing CC_existence.

FIG. 54 is a diagram for describing recording_mode.

FIG. 55 is a diagram for describing syntax of audio_attribute ( ).

FIG. 56 is a diagram for describing input_source.

FIG. 57 is a diagram for describing audio_coding_mode.

FIG. 58 is a diagram for describing bitrate.

FIG. 59 is a diagram for describing q_bit.

FIG. 60 is a diagram for describing fs.

FIG. 61 is a diagram for describing emphasis.

FIG. 62 is a diagram for describing syntax of slot_info ( ).

FIG. 63 is a diagram for describing slot_info_id.

FIG. 64 is a diagram for describing syntax of slot_info_for_one_GOP ( ).

FIG. 65 is a diagram for describing first_presented_picture_structure.

FIG. 66 is a diagram for describing picture_count_type.

FIG. 67 is a diagram for describing syntax ofslot_info_for_one_audio_frame ( ).

FIG. 68 is a diagram for describing syntax ofslot_info_for_one_time_slot ( ).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter indetail, to clearly indicate the corresponding relation between therespective means described in claims and components described in theembodiments described hereinafter, components described in theembodiments (though only one example) corresponding to means describedin the claims are indicated in parenthesis just after each means asshown herein under. These indications by no means limits the means tothe examples described in the parenthesis.

A recording apparatus described in claim 1 is provided with a filegeneration means (for example, the step S6 in the FIG. 37) forgenerating files which contain video or audio signals, a characteristicpoint information generation means (for example, the step S7 in FIG. 37)for generating the characteristic point information of the video oraudio signals contained in the files for each file generated by the filegeneration means, and a recording means (for example, the step S13 inFIG. 37) for recording the files and characteristic point information ina recording medium.

A reproducing apparatus described in claim 7 is provided with a filereproducing means (for example, the reproducing circuit 60 in FIG. 36)for reproducing files which contain video or audio signals recorded in arecording medium, a characteristic point information reproducing means(for example, the reproducing circuit 60 in FIGS. 36A and B) forreproducing the characteristic point information of the video or audiosignals contained in the files recorded in the recording medium for eachfile reproduced by the file regeneration means, and a reproductioncontrol means (for example, the control circuit 63 in FIGS. 36A and B)for controlling reproduction of the files based on the characteristicpoint information reproduced by the characteristic point informationreproducing means.

A recording apparatus described in claim 10 is provided with an inputmeans (for example, the step S1 in FIG. 37) for receiving an inputsignal which contains at least video signals, a characteristic pointinformation detection means (for example, the step S1 in FIG. 37) fordetecting the characteristic point information of the video signal basedon a signal contained in the input signal, a video signal recordingmeans (for example, the step S6 in FIG. 37) for recording at least thevideo signal out of signals contained in the input signal in a recordingmedium, and a characteristic point information write means (for example,the step S13 in FIG. 37) for writing the characteristic pointinformation in a recording medium.

A recording/reproducing apparatus described in claim 9 is provided witha file generation means (for example, the step S6 in FIG. 37) forgenerating files which contain video or audio signals, a characteristicpoint information generation means (for example, the step S7 in FIG. 37)for generating the characteristic point information of the video oraudio signals contained in the files for each file generated by the filegeneration means, a recording means (for example, the step S13 in FIG.37) for recording the files and characteristic point information in arecording medium, a file reproducing means for reproducing files whichcontain video or audio signals recorded in a recording medium, acharacteristic point information reproducing means (for example, thereproducing circuit 60 in FIGS. 36A and B) for reproducing thecharacteristic point information of the video or audio signals containedin the files recorded in the recording medium for each file reproducedby the file regeneration means, and a reproduction control means (forexample, the control circuit 63 in FIGS. 36A and B for controllingreproduction of the files based on the characteristic point informationreproduced by the characteristic point information reproducing means.

First, in the file arrangement on a recording medium on/from which theinformation is recorded/reproduced in the present invention isdescribed. On the medium, as shown in FIG. 1, seven types of filesdescribed herein under are recorded.

VOLUME. TOC

ALBUM. STR

PROGRAM_$$$. PGI

TITLE_###. VDR

CHUNKGROUP_@@@. CGIT

CHUNK_%%%%. ABST

CHUNK_%%%%. MPEG2

VOLUME. TOC and ALBUM. STR are recorded in the root directory. In thedirectory “PROGRAM” recorded just under the root directory,“PROGRAM_$$$. PGI” (herein, “$$$” represents a program number) isrecorded. Similarly, in the directory “TITLE” recorded just under theroot directory, “TITLE_###. VDR” (herein, “###” represents a titlenumber) is recorded, in the directory “CHUNKGROUP”, “CHUNKGROUP_@@@.CGIT” is recorded (herein, “@@@” represents a chunkgroup number), and inthe directory “CHUNK”, “CHUNK_%%%%. ABST” (herein, “%%%%” represents achunk number) is recorded.

In the MPEGAV directory recorded just under the root directory, one ormore sub-directories are formed additionally, and under thesesub-directory “CHUNK_%%%%. MPEG2” (herein, %%%% represents a chunknumber) is recorded.

It is normal that there is only one VOLUME. TOC file on a medium.However, in a special medium such as a medium having a hybrid structurecomprising a ROM and RAM, it can be possible that there is a pluralityof VOLUME. TOC files on a medium. This file is used to indicate thewhole characteristics of a medium. The structure of VOLUME. TOC is shownin FIG. 2. file_type_id is recorded at the head, and which indicatesthat this file is VOLUME. TOC. Subsequently, volume_information ( ) isrecorded, and followed finally by text_block ( ).

The structure of volume_information ( ) is shown in FIG. 3.volume_information ( ) contains volume_attribute ( ), resume ( ),volume_rating ( ), write_protect ( ), play_protect ( ), andrecording_timer ( ).

volume_attribute ( ) is an area for recording the attribute of logicalvolume, the detailed structure is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4,this area contains title_playback_mode_flag andprogram_playback_mode_flag.

resume ( ) is an area on which the information to resume the currentstate to the state just before ejection when the medium is insertedagain, and the detailed structure is shown in FIG. 5.

volume_rating ( ) in FIG. 3 is an area on which the information torealize the viewer age restriction of the whole volume depending on theage and category, the detailed structure is shown in FIG. 6.

write_protect ( ) shown in FIG. 3 is an area on which the information torestrict the changing and erasing operation of title and programrecorded in the volume are recorded, and the detailed structure is shownin FIG. 7.

play_protect ( ) shown in FIG. 3 is an area on which the reproductionpermission/no permission setting of title and program recorded in thevolume or the information for restriction of the number of reproductionsare recorded, and the detailed structure is shown in FIG. 8.

recording_timer ( ) shown in FIG. 3 is an area on which the informationfor controlling recording time is recorded, and the detailed structureis shown in FIG. 9.

The detailed structure of text_block ( ) of VOLUME. TOC shown in FIG. 2is shown in FIG. 10. The text_block ( ) contains language_set ( ) andtext_item, and the detailed structures are shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12respectively.

Normally there is only one file of ALBUM. STR shown in FIG. 1 in amedium. However, in a special medium such as a medium having a hybridstructure comprising a ROM and RAM, it can be possible that there is aplurality of ALBUM. STR files on a medium. This file formed by combininga plurality of media is used to obtain a structure which appears as ifit were one medium.

The structure of ALBUM. STR is shown in FIG. 13. file_type_id isrecorded at the head, and which indicates that this file is ALBUM. STR.Subsequently album ( ) is recorded, and finally text_block ( ) isrecorded.

album ( ) is an area on which the information to deal a plurality ofvolumes (a plurality of media) as a group is recorded, and the detailedstructure is shown in FIG. 14.

The number of files of TITLE_###. VDR shown in FIG. 1 is equal to thenumber of titles. A title means, for example, one piece of music in acompact disc or one program in television broadcast. The structure ofthis information is shown in FIG. 15. file_type_id is recorded at thehead, this file_type_id indicates that this file is TITLE_###. VDR.Subsequently title_info ( ) is recorded, and finally text_block ( ) isrecorded. ### is a character string for indicating a title number.

title_info ( ) is an area on which the starting point, the ending point,and other attributes of the title are recorded, and the detailedstructure is shown in FIG. 16.

The number of files of PROGRAM_$$$. PGI shown in FIG. 1 is equal to thenumber of programs. A program comprises a plurality of cuts whichspecify the partial area of a title (or whole area), and the respectivecuts are reproduced in the specified order. The structure of thisinformation is shown in FIG. 17. file_type_id is recorded at the head,this file_type_id indicates that this file is PROGRAM_$$$. PGI.Subsequently, program ( ) is recorded, and finally text_block ( ) isrecorded. $$$ is a character string which indicates a title number.

program ( ) is an area on which the information required to reproducecollected necessary information of the title is recorded withoutirreversible edition of the material, and the detailed structure isshown in FIG. 18.

program ( ) shown in FIG. 18 has one play_list. The detail of theplay_list ( ) is shown in FIG. 19.

A plurality of play_item ( ) is recorded in play_list. The detailedstructure of play_item ( ) is shown in FIG. 20.

The number of files of CHUNKGROUP_@@@. CGIT shown in FIG. 1 is equal tothe number of chunkgroups. The chunkgroup is the data structure toarrange the pit stream. This file is not recognized by a user as long asthe user operates a apparatus for recording/reproducing a medium such asVDR (video disk recorder).

The structure of this information is shown in FIG. 21. file_type_id isrecorded at the head, and the file_type_id indicates that this file isCHUNKGROUP_@@@. CGIT. Subsequently chunkgroup_time_base_flags andchunkgroup time_base_offset are recorded, and followed bychunk_connection_info ( ), and finally text_block ( ) is recorded.

chunkgroup_time base_flags indicates a flag of reference counter ofchunkgroup, and chunkgroup_time_base_offset indicates the starting timeof the reference time axis in chunkgroup. This is a value which is setto a counter for 90 kHz counting up, and has a size of 32 bits.chunk_connection_info ( ) is an area on which the information ofcharacteristic points such as the switching point of video andsynchronization between video and audio, and the detailed structure isshown in FIG. 22.

Loops of chunk_arrangement info ( ) are recorded in thechunk_connection_info ( ), and the number of the loops ofchunk_arrangement_info ( ) is equal to the number of chunks which belongto the chunkgroup. The detailed structure of chunk_arrangement_info ( )is shown in FIG. 23.

The number of files of CHUNK_%%%%. ABST shown in FIG. 1 is equal to thenumber of chunks. The chunk is an information file which iscorresponding to one stream file. The information structure is shown inFIG. 24. file_type_id is recorded at the head, the file_type_idindicates that this file is CHUNK_%%%%. ABST.

The CHUNK_%%%%. MPEG2 file shown in FIG. 1 is a stream file. The filecontains a bit stream of MPEG unlike other files which records onlyinformation.

FIG. 25 shows a structural example of an optical disc apparatus forrecording or reproducing information in or from an optical disc which isused as a medium having the file as described herein above. In thisoptical disc apparatus, one series of optical head 2 is providedcorrespondingly to one writable optical disc 1, and the optical head 2is used commonly to data reading and data writing.

A bit stream read out from the optical disc 1 by the optical head 2 isdemodulated by an RF and demodulation/modulation circuit 3, subjected toerror correction in an ECC circuit 4, and transmitted to a read outchannel buffer 6 for absorbing the difference between read out rate anddecode processing rate through a switch 5. The output from the read outchannel buffer 6 is supplied to a decoder 7. The read out channel buffer6 is structured so as to be read and written from a system controller13.

The bit stream supplied from the read out channel buffer 6 is decoded bythe decoder 7, and a video and an audio signal are supplied from thedecoder 7. The video signal supplied from the decoder 7 is supplied to asynthesis circuit 8, synthesized with an video signal supplied from anOSD (On Screen Display) control circuit 9, supplied from an outputterminal P1 to a display not shown in the drawing, and displayed. Theaudio signal generated from the decoder 7 is transmitted from an outputP2 to a speaker not shown in the drawing, and reproduced.

On the other hand, the video signal supplied from an input terminal P3and the audio signal supplied from an input terminal P4 are encoded byan encoder 10, and transmitted to a write channel buffer 11 forabsorbing the difference between the encode processing rate and writerate. The write channel buffer 11 is also structured so as to be readand written from the system controller 13.

Data accumulated in the write channel buffer 11 are read from the writechannel buffer 11, supplied to the ECC circuit 4 through the switch 5 toadd error correction codes, and thereafter modulated by the RF anddemodulation/modulation circuit 3. The signal (RF signal) generated fromthe RF and demodulation/modulation circuit 3 is written in the opticaldisc 1 by the optical head 2.

An address detection circuit 12 detects the record in the optical disc 1or the address information of tracks to be reproduced. A systemcontroller 13 controls operations of respective components of theoptical disc apparatus, and provided with a CPU 21 for controllingvariously, a ROM 22 for storing processing programs to be executed bythe CPU 21, a RAM 23 for storing temporarily data generated inprocessing steps, and a RAM 24 for storing various information files tobe recorded or reproduced in or from the optical disc 1. The CPU 21performs fine adjustment of the position of the optical head 2 based onthe detection result obtained by the address detection circuit 12. TheCPU 21 controls switching of the switch 5. An input unit 14 comprisingvarious switches and buttons is operated by a user when various commandsare inputted.

Next, basic read operations of the information file is described. Forexample, when “VOLUME. TOC” information file is read, the CPU 21 of thesystem controller 13 uses a file system operation command which isincorporated in the processing program previously to define the physicaladdress and the length of the physical address on the optical disc 1 inwhich “VOLUME. TOC” is recorded. Subsequently, the CPU 21 moves theoptical head 2 to the read position based on the address information ofthe “VOLUME. TOC”. The CPU 21 sets the optical head 2, RF anddemodulation/modulation circuit 3, and ECC circuit 4 in the readingmode, and switches the switch 5 to the read channel buffer 6 side,further finely adjusts the position of the optical head 2, andthereafter makes the optical head 2 to start reading. Thereby, thecontent of the “VOLUME. TOC” is read by the optical head 2, demodulatedby the RF and demodulation/modulation circuit 3, and subjected to errorcorrection by the ECC circuit 4, and accumulated in the read channelbuffer 6.

The CPU 21 stops reading when the data volume accumulated in the readchannel buffer 6 becomes equal to or larger than the size of “VOLUME.TOC”. Thereafter, the CPU 21 reads the data supplied from the readchannel buffer 6 and records it in the RAM 24.

Next, the case that “VOLUME TOC” information file is read is describedas an example of the basic information file write operation. The CPU 21uses the file system operation command incorporated in the processingprogram previously to find a space area having the size equal to orlarger than the “VOLUME. TOC” which is to be written in the file system(optical disc 1), and defines the address.

Next, the CPU 21 transfers “VOLUME. TOC” to be written newly which isready in the RAM 24 to the write channel buffer 11. Subsequently, theCPU 21 moves the optical head 2 to the write position based on theaddress information of the space area. The CPU 21 sets the optical head2, RF and demodulation/modulation circuit 3, and ECC circuit 4 inwriting mode, switches the switch 5 to the write channel buffer 11 side,finely adjusts the position of the optical head 2, and thereafter makesthe optical head to start writing.

The content of the “VOLUME. TOC” which becomes ready newly is read outfrom the write channel buffer 11, supplied to the ECC circuit 4 throughthe switch 5, added with error correction codes, and thereaftermodulated by the RF and demodulation/modulation circuit 3. The signalgenerated from the RF and demodulation/modulation circuit 3 is recordedin the optical disc 1 by the optical head 2. When the data volumerecorded in the optical disc 1 becomes equal to the size of “VOLUME.TOC”, the CPU 21 stops writing operation.

Finally, the CPU uses the file system operation command incorporated inthe processing program previously to rewrite the pointer which pointsthe “VOLUME. TOC” in the file system (optical disc 1) so as to point theposition which has been written newly.

Next, the case that a stream, CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2 shown in FIG. 1, isreproduced is described as an example of a basic stream reproductionoperation. The CPU 21 uses a file system operation command which isincorporated in the processing program previously to define the physicaladdress and the length of the physical address on the optical disc 1 inwhich “CHUNK_(—)0001.MPEG2” is recorded. Subsequently, the CPU 21 movesthe optical head 2 to the read position based on the address informationof the “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2”. The CPU 21 sets the optical head 2, RFand demodulation/modulation circuit 3, and ECC circuit 4 in the readingmode, and switches the switch 5 to the read channel buffer 6 side,finely adjusts the position of the optical head 2, and makes the opticalhead 2 to start reading.

The content of the “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2” read out from the optical head2 is accumulated in the read channel buffer 6 through the RF anddemodulation/modulation circuit 3, the ECC circuit 4, and the switch 5.The data accumulated in the read channel buffer 6 is supplied to thedecoder 7 to be subjected to decoding processing, and a video signal andan audio signal are generated respectively. The audio signal isgenerated from the output terminal P2 and the video signal is generatedfrom the output terminal P1 through the synthesis circuit 8.

When the data volume which is read out from the optical disc 1, decoded,and displayed becomes equal to the size of the “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2” orwhen the stopping of read out operation from the input unit 14 isindicated, the CPU 21 stops reading and decoding processing.

Next, the case that an information file, “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2”, iswritten is described as an example of the basic stream recordingoperation. The CPU 21 uses a file system operation command which isincorporated in the processing program previously to find an space areahaving the size equal to or larger than the “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2” whichis to be written in the file system (optical disc 1), and defines theaddress.

The video signal supplied from the input terminal P3 and the audiosignal supplied from the input terminal P4 are encoded by the encoder10, and accumulated in the write channel buffer 11. Subsequently, theCPU 21 moves the optical head 2 to the write position based on theaddress information of the space area. The CPU 21 sets the optical head2, RF and demodulation/modulation circuit 3, and ECC circuit 4 in thewriting mode, and thereafter makes the optical head 2 to start writing.Thereby, the content of the “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2” which is ready newlyis read out from the write channel buffer 11, supplied to the opticalhead 2 through the switch 5, the ECC circuit 4, and the RF anddemodulation/modulation circuit 3, and recorded in the optical disk 1.

When the data volume which has been read out from the write channelbuffer 11 and recorded in the optical disc 1 becomes equal to thepreviously set value or when stopping of write operation is indicatedfrom the input unit 14, the CPU 21 stops write operation. Finally, theCPU 21 uses the file system operation command which has beenincorporated in the processing program previously to rewrite the pointerwhich points the “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2” in the file system (optical disc1) so as to point the position written newly.

Now, it is assumed that information files and stream files are recordedin the optical disc 1 as shown in FIG. 26. In this example, one programfile named as “PROGRAM_(—)001. PGI” is contained. Three title filesnamed as “TITLE_(—)001. VDR”, “TITLE_(—)002. VDR”, and “TITLE_(—)003.VDR” are contained in this optical disc 1.

Further, in the optical disc 1, two files in the chunkgroup named as“CHUNKGROUP_(—)001. CGIT” and “CHUNKGROUP_(—)002. CGIT” are contained.In addition, three stream files named as “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2”,“CHUNK_(—)0011. MPEG2”, and “CHUNK_(—)0012. MPEG2” are contained in theoptical disc 1, and corresponding information files named as“CHUNK_(—)0001. ABST”, “CHUNK_(—)0011. ABST”, and “CHUNK_(—)0012. ABST”are recorded in the optical disc 1.

The logic structure of the optical disc 1 having information files andstream files shown in FIG. 26 is shown in FIG. 27. In this example, thechunk information file “CHUNK_(—)001. ABST” specifies the stream file“CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2”, the chunk information file “CHUNK_(—)0011. ABST”specifies the stream file “CHUNK_(—)0011. MPEG2”, and the chunkinformation file “CHUNK_(—)0012. ABST” specifies the stream file“CHUNK_(—)0012. MPEG2” respectively. In detail, the file ID of thestream is specified in the field namely chunk_file_id in CHUNK_%%%%.ABST shown in FIG. 24.

Further, in this example, the chunkgroup information file,“CHUNKGROUP_(—)001.CGIT”, specifies the chunk information file,“CHUNK_(—)0001. ABST”, and the chunk information file,“CHUNKGROUP_(—)002. CGIT” specifies the chunk information file,“CHUNK_(—)0011. ABST” and “CHUNK_(—)0012. ABST” respectively. In detail,the file ID of the chunk information is specified in the field namelychunk_info_file_id in the chunk_arrangement_info_info ( ) shown in FIG.13. The chunk_arrangement_info ( ) is recorded in the chunkgroupinformation file, the number of chunk_arrangement_info ( ) is equal tothe number of chunks which belong to this chunkgroup (thechunk_arrangement_info ( ) shown in FIG. 23 is described in thechunk_connection_info ( ) shown in FIG. 22, and thechunk_connection_info ( ) is described in the CHUNKGROUP_###. CGIT).

There is only one chunk arrangement_info ( ) in CHUNKGROUP_(—)001, andthe chunk_info_file_id in it specifies the CHUNK_(—)0001. There are twochunk_arrangement_info ( ) in CHUNKGROUP_(—)002, and CHUNK_(—)0011 andCHUNK_(—)0012 are specified respectively in it. To process such cases,the chunkgroup can specifies the reproduction order of a plurality ofchunks.

In detail, first the initial value of the clock in this chunkgroup isdecided using chunkgroup_time_base_offset in CHUNKGROUP_###. CGIT shownin FIG. 21. Next, presentation_start_cg_count andpresentation_end_cg_time_count of the chunk_arrangement_info ( ) shownin FIG. 23 are specified when each chunk is registered.

For example, as shown in FIG. 28, it is assumed that the length (time)of CHUNK_(—)0011 is A, and the length (time) of CHUNK_(—)0012 is B. Thepresentation_start_cg_count of CHUNK_(—)0011 is equal to thechunkgroup_time_base_offset, and the presentation_end cg_count is equalto the chunk_group_time_base_offset+A. The presentation_start_cg_countof CHUNK_(—)0012 is equal to the chunkgroup_time_base_offset+A, and thepresentation_end_cg_count is equal to thechunk_group_time_base_offset+A+B. Assuming as described herein above,then CHUNKGROUP_(—)002 is defined as that which is formed by reproducingcontinuously CHUNK_(—)0011 and CHUNK_(—)0012.

In the case that CHUNK_(—)0011 and CHUNK_(—)0012 overlap each other inreproduction time, the time can be specified to be shifted. Further, bywriting in the transition_info ( ) in the chunk_arrangement_info ( )shown in FIG. 23, special effects (fade-in, fade-out, and wipe) can bespecified at the transition between two streams.

In an example in FIG. 26 (FIG. 27), the title information file“TITLE_(—)001. VDR” and “TITLE_(—)002. VDR” indicates the chunkgroupinformation file “CHUNKGROUP_(—)001. CGIT”, and the title informationfile “TITLE_(—)003. VDR” indicates the chunkgroup information file“CHUNKGROUP_(—)002. CGIT” respectively. In detail, in the title_info ( )shown in FIG. 16, chunkgroup file ID is specified with the fieldcgit_file_id, and the time range which defines this title in thechunkgroup is specified with the fieldtitle_start_chunk_group_time_stamp and title_end_chunk_group_time_stamp.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 27, TITLE_(—)001 points thefirst half of CHUNKGROUP_(—)001 and TITLE_(—)002 points the second halfof CHUNKGROUP_(—)001. This division is performed in response to arequest from a user, the division position is arbitrary for user and cannot be pre-determined. Herein, it is assumed that the position dividedby TITLE_(—)001 and TITLE_(—)002 is set at the position A apart from thehead of CHUNKGROUP_(—)001.

TITLE_(—)001 specifies CHUNKGROUP_(—)001 as the chunkgroup, specifiesstarting time of CHUNKGROUP_(—)001 as the starting time of the title,and specifies the time point specified by a user as the ending time ofthe title.

In other words, chunkgroup_time_base_offset (head position) ofCHUNKGROUP_(—)001 is set as title_start_chunk_group_time_stamp ofTITLE_(—)001, and chunkgroup_time_base_offset+length of A is set astitle_end_chunk_group_time_stamp of TITLE_(—)001.

TITLE_(—)002 specifies CHUNKGROUP_(—)001 as the chunkgroup, the timepoint specified by a user as the starting time of the title, and theending time of CHUNKGROUP_(—)001 as the title ending time.

The title_end_chunk_group_time_stamp (head position) ofCHUNKGROUP_(—)001 added with length of A is set astitle_start_chunk_group_time_stamp of the TITLE_(—)002, and thechunkgroup_time_base_offset of CHUNKGROUP_(—)001 added with the lengthof CHUNKGROUP_(—)001 is set as the title_end_chunk_group_time_stamp ofthe TITLE_(—)002.

Further, the TITLE_(—)003 specifies CHUNKGROUP_(—)002 as the chunkgroup,specifies the starting time of the CHUNKGROUP_(—)002 as the startingtime of the title, and specifies the ending time of CHUNKGROUP_(—)002 asthe ending time of the title.

In other words, the chunkgroup_time_base_offset is set as thetitle_start_chunk_group_time_stamp of the TITLE_(—)003, and thechunkgroup time_base_offset of CHUNKGROUP_(—)002 added with length ofCHUNKGROUP_(—)002 is set as the title_end_chunk_group_time_stamp ofTITLE_(—)003.

Further, in this example, the program information file “PROGRAM_(—)001.PGI” specifies to reproduce a part of TITLE_(—)001 and a part ofTITLE_(—)003 in this order. In detail, the title is specified withtitle_number in the play_time ( ) shown in FIG. 20, the starting pointand ending point are defined by the times defined with each title,thereby one cut is extracted. A plurality of cuts are combined tostructure a program.

Next, operation to additionally record (append recording) the newinformation in the optical disc 1 is described. In detail, thisrecording is performed by indicating the recording to the optical discapparatus in real time using timer recording or through user operationof the input unit 14. In the case of the latter, the record ending timecan not be predicted if the recording button has been pushed, howeverthe ending time can be predicted if the button for one touch recordingfunction (function to record for a certain time after operation) hasbeen pushed.

Herein, timer recording is described as an example. In this case, it isassumed that a user of the optical disc apparatus has indicated therecord starting time, record ending time, bit rate of bit stream, andchannel to be recorded previously. Further, it is assumed that the spacecapacity corresponding to the bit rate and recording time is residuallyavailable in the optical disc 1 is confirmed at the time point when therecording is reserved.

In the case that some information is recorded additionally in theoptical disc 1 between the record reservation time and actual recordingtime of the reserved recording, the capacity for recording at thespecified bit rate is not secured. In such case, the CPU 21 iscontrolled so that the bit rate is lowered to a value lower than thespecified value and information corresponding to the reserved time isrecorded, or so that the bit rate is not changed and informationcorresponding to the recordable time is recorded. Of course, the CPU 21generates a message to the user for telling the situation at the timepoint when the additional information is recorded and a possible failurein the reserved recording becomes clear.

When the starting time of the reserved recording comes close, the CPU 21resumes automatically the mode from sleep mode to operation mode usingthe built-in timer and clock. The CPU 21 secures the area which issufficient for the reserved recording on the optical disc 1 using thefile system operation command incorporated in the processing programpreviously. In detail, the value which is formed by multiplying theresult (recording time) of subtraction of the starting time from theending time of the reserved recording by the bit rate corresponds to thesize of area required to record the reserved program, the CPU 21 firstsecures the area of this size. Alternatively, in the case that theinformation file other than stream file is required to be recorded whenrecording, for example, in the case that a title information file isrequired to be recorded as a new title, it is required to secure acapacity which is sufficient for recording these information files onthe optical disc 1. If the sufficient area can not be secured, any ofthe above-mentioned methods (bit rate change, recording only for arecordable time) is selected.

At this time, because it is the record to have a new title, a user givesa new stream file name as a new stream file in a new stream directory.Herein, it is assumed that this is ¥MPEGAV¥STREAMS_(—)003¥CHUNK_(—)0031.In detail, the file name of CHUNK_(—)0031. MPEG2is given underSTREAM_(—)003 directory, under MPEGAV directory, under the rootdirectory as shown in FIG. 29.

The CPU 21 commands the execution of the recording mode to therespective units. For example, a video signal supplied from a tuner notshown in the drawing to the input terminal P3 and an audio signalsupplied to the input terminal P4 are encoded by the encoder 10, andaccumulated in the write channel buffer 11. Subsequently, the CPU 21moves the optical head 2 to the write position based on the addressinformation of the area which has been secured previously. The CPU 21sets the optical head 2, RF and demodulation/modulation circuit 3, andECC circuit 4 in the write mode, and switches the switch 5 to the writechannel buffer 11 side, finely adjusts the position of the optical head2, and makes the optical head 2 to start writing. Thereby, the contentof “CHUNK_(—)0031. MPEG2” which is newly prepared is read out from thewrite channel buffer 11, and recorded in the optical disc 1 through theswitch 5, the ECC circuit 4, the RF and demodulation/modulation circuit3, and the optical head 2.

The above-mentioned write operation is continued, and the CPU 21 stopswriting when any one of conditions described herein under appears.

1) The time reaches the ending time of the reserved recording.

2) Recording can not be continued in the optical disc 1 due to deficientcapacity and other causes.

3) Command to stop recording operation is generated.

Next, the CPU 21 rewrites the pointer which points “CHUNK_(—)0031.MPEG2” in the file system to a value which points the position where anew pointer is written. Further, the CPU 21 prepares respective files ofthe chunk information, chunkgroup information, and title information,and gives names respectively and stores them. It is required that thespace capacity which is sufficient for recording these files is securedin the optical disc 1 when recording or reserving.

As described herein above, new files are generated as shown, forexample, in FIG. 30. In the drawing, file names having an asterisk (*)at the upper right corner indicates files which have been generated thistime.

FIG. 31 shows the relation of newly formed information files.TITLE_(—)004 specifies CHUNKGROUP_(—)003, CHUNKGROUP_(—)003 specifiesCHUNK_(—)0031, and CHUNK_(—)0031 specifies STREAM_(—)0031.

In detail, the new stream is registered in the information file asTITLE_(—)004. The user can recognize the attribute of TITLE_(—)004 byway of function for confirming the title of the optical disc apparatus,and can reproduce TITLE_(—)004.

Next, operation of overwrite recording on the optical disc 1 as shown inFIG. 26 (FIG. 27) is described. Overwrite recording is an operation inwhich a new program is recorded on the program which has been recorded(at this time, the existing program is erased) as in the case thatsignals are recorded on a video tape.

In overwrite recording, the position where overwrite recording starts isimportant. For example, it is assumed that a user indicates to startoverwrite recording from the head of TITLE_(—)001. At this time, theoverwrite recording proceeds with rewriting TITLE_(—)001, TITLE_(—)002,and TITLE_(—)003 respectively in this order. If the recording operationdoes not yet end when TITLE_(—)003 has been rewritten to the tail, thena new area is secured in the space area of the optical disc 1 and therecording is continued. For example, if TITLE_(—)002 is the recordstarting position, then TITLE_(—)002 is not rewritten in this recordingoperation because TITLE_(—)001 positioned before the record startingposition.

Now it is assumed that overwrite recording is performed from the head ofTITLE_(—)003 by way of timer recording. In this case, it is assumed thata user of the optical disc apparatus has specified previously the recordstarting time and ending time, the bit rate of bit stream, and thechannel to be recorded. Further, it is assumed that the head ofTITLE_(—)003 has been specified as the record starting position, whichis important in overwrite recording. Yet further it is assumed in thiscase also that the capacity sufficient for the bit rate and recordingtime has been confirmed previously in the optical disc 1 when therecording was reserved. In the case of overwrite recording, the sum ofthe total capacity of rewritable (a plurality of) titles following fromthe specified position and the space capacity of the optical disc 1 isthe recordable capacity. In other words, in this case, the sum of thetotal capacity of STREAM_(—)0011 and STREAM_(—)0012 which are streamsmanaged by TITLE_(—)003 and the space capacity of the optical disc 1 isthe recordable capacity.

In overwrite recording, there are some choices in selecting order ofstream for recording in the recordable capacity. The first method is amethod in which the order of streams is specified by the title. Indetail, in this case, the recording is started from the head ofSTREAM_(—)0011, and when STREAM_(—)0011 is recorded to the tail, thenSTREAM_(—)0012 is recorded from the head, and when STREAM_(—)0012 isrecorded to the tail, then information is recorded in the space area.Another method is an method in which first the space area is recorded,and when all the space area is fully recorded, then the existing streamis recorded.

The former method is advantageous in terms of emulation of video tape.In other words, this method is characterized in that users canunderstand easily because this is the same operation as that for videotape. The latter method is characterized in that the method is excellentin protection of the recorded information because the existing recordedstream is erased later.

In the case that additional recording is performed in the optical disc 1between the time when the recording reservation was set and the timewhen the reserved recording is executed actually, it can happen that thecapacity for recording the reserved program at the specified bit rate isnot secure. In this case, in the same manner as described herein above,the bit rate is lowered automatically and recording is executed over thereserved time, alternatively recording is executed during the availabletime with keeping the bitrate unchanged.

When the starting time of the reserved time comes close, the opticaldisc apparatus resumes from sleeping mode to operating mode. The CPU 21secures all the space capacity in the optical disc 1. Of course, thespace capacity maybe secured when it is needed in stead of securing thespace capacity at that timing, but herein for the purpose ofdescription, it is assumed that the required area is secured beforestarting of the recording.

In the case that the size of required area is known based on startingtime, ending time, and bit rate specified by the timer recording, therequired capacity (or with additional some margin) may be secured. Whenit is required to record an information file for the recording, forexample, a title information file is necessary because the informationis registered as a new title, it is required that the capacity forrecording the information file should be secured.

Herein, a file name is given to the new stream file as a new stream filein a new stream directory. In detail, the file name of¥MPEGAV¥STREAMS_(—)002¥CHUNK_(—)0031 is given. In detail, as shown inFIG. 32, a file is named as CHUNK_(—)0031. MPEG2under STREAM_(—)002directory, under MPEGAV directory, under the root directory.

The video signal supplied to the input terminal P3 and the audio signalsupplied to the input terminal P4 are encoded by the encoder 10, andaccumulated in the write channel buffer 11. Subsequently, the CPU 21moves the optical head 2 to the write position based on the addressinformation of the area which was secured previously. The CPU 21 setsthe optical head 2, RF and demodulation/modulation circuit 3, and ECCcircuit 4 in writing mode, and switches the switch 5 to the writechannel buffer 11 side, the position of the optical head 2 is finelyadjusted, and thereafter the optical head 2 starts writing. Thereby, thecontent of CHUNK_(—)0031. MPEG2which is prepared newly is read out fromthe write channel buffer 11, and recorded in the optical disc 1 throughthe switch 5, ECC circuit 4, RF and demodulation/modulation circuit 3,and optical head 2.

At this time, the first stream file “CHUNK_(—)0011. MPEG2” is rewritten.When the recording is executed to the tail of “CHUNK_(—)0011. MPEG2”,next, the recording proceeds to “CHUNK_(—)0012. MPEG2”, and furtherproceeds continuously to CHUNK_(—)0031. MPEG2.

The CPU 21 continues the above-mentioned operation, and as in the casedescribed herein above, when any one of the three conditions occurs, theCPU 21 stops writing.

Next, the CPU 21 uses the file system operation command incorporatedpreviously in the processing program to update the stream file, thechunk information, the chunkgroup information, and the titleinformation.

The file structure depends on the write end timing. For example, in thecase that after two streams namely CHUNK_(—)0011. MPEG2andCHUNK_(—)0012. MPEG2are completely overridden and subsequently therecording is continued on CHUNK_(—)0031. MPEG2, the file structure inthe optical disc 1 is shown in FIG. 33. Asterisks (*) given at the upperright corner of file names indicates that those files are newly recordedfiles.

FIG. 34 shows the relation of files (files shown in FIG. 33) which havebeen recorded as described herein above. In comparison with FIG. 31,CHUNK_(—)0031 is incremental in CHUNK contained in CHUNKGROUP_(—)002specified by TITLE_(—)003, and CHUNK_(—)0031 specifies STREAM_(—)0031.

On the other hand, in the case that the overwrite recording ends in themiddle of overwriting on the existing stream, for example, in the casethat the overwrite recording ends in the middle of recording onCHUNK_(—)0011, the stream of CHUNK_(—)0031 which has been secured foroverwriting is released because of no overwriting. In this case, aspecial title processing is performed. In detail, in the case that theoverwrite recording starts from the head of TITLE_(—)003 and ends in themiddle, the title is divided at the point. As shown in FIG. 35, the areafrom the overwrite recording starting position to the ending position iscontained in the new TITLE_(—)003, and the following area (residual areaof the original TITLE_(—)003) is contained in TITLE_(—)004.

Next, operation of title reproduction is described. It is assumed thatan optical disc 1 having files shown in FIG. 26 is inserted into theoptical disc apparatus to reproduce the title. First when the opticaldisc 1 is inserted, the CPU 21 reads out the information files from theoptical disc 1, and stores them in RAM 24. This operation is performedby repeating reading operation of the basic information file describedherein above.

The CPU 21 reads first VOLUME. TOC and ALBUM. STR. Next, the CPU 21counts the number of files having the escape identifier of “VDR” underthe directory “TITLE”. The files having this escape identifier are fileswhich contain the title information, and the number of files is equal tothe number of titles. In the example shown in FIG. 26, the number oftiles is 3. Next, the CPU 21 reads three title information files andstores them in RAM 24.

The CPU 21 controls the OSD control circuit 9 to generate the characterinformation for indicating the title information recorded in the opticaldisc 1, and the character information is combined with the video signalin the synthesis circuit 8 and the synthesized information is suppliedfrom the output terminal P1 to a display for displaying. In this case,the existence of three titles, the length and the attribute (name, dateand time of recording) of these three respective titles are displayed.

Herein, it is assumed that a user specifies reproduction ofTITLE_(—)002. In the information file of TITLE_(—)002 (in thecgit_file_id in the title_info ( ) shown in FIG. 16), the file ID forspecifying CHUNKGROUP_(—)001 is recorded, and the CPU 21 stores thisfile and also stores CHUNKGROUP_(—)001 in RAM 24.

Next, the CPU 21 checks that the starting time and ending time ofTITLE_(—)002 (title_start_chunk_group_time_stamp andtitle_end_chunk_group_time_stamp in title_info ( ) in FIG. 16)correspond respectively to which CHUNK. This check is performed bycomparing information (presentation_start_cg_time_count andpresentation_end cg_time_count in chunk arrangement_info ( ) shown inFIG. 23) in which CHUNK is registered. In this case, as shown in FIG.27, it is understood that the starting time of TITLE_(—)002 is containedin the middle of CHUNK_(—)0001. In other words, it is understood that inorder to reproduce TITLE_(—)002 from the head, the reproduction may bestarted from the middle of stream file “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2”.

Next, the CPU 21 checks the position in the stream which corresponds tothe head of TITLE_(—)002. In detail, the starting time of TITLE_(—)002which corresponds to how many offset time (time stamp) in the stream iscalculated, and next the reproduction starting point positioned justbefore the starting time is specified using the characteristic pointinformation in CHUNK file. Thereby, the offset distance from the head ofthe reproduction starting point file is defined.

Next, the CPU 21 defines the physical address and the length of thephysical address in the optical disc 1 in which “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2”is recorded using the file system operation command in which theprocessing program is incorporated previously. Further, the offsetaddress of the reproduction starting point obtained just before is addedto this address, and the address of reproduction starting point ofTITLE_(—)002 is finally defined.

Subsequently, the CPU 21 moves the optical head 2 to the reading outposition based on the address information of the “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2”.The CPU 21 sets the optical head 2, RF and demodulation/modulationcircuit 3, and ECC circuit 4 in the reading out mode, and switches theswitch 5 to the read out channel buffer 6 side, the position of theoptical head 2 is finely adjusted, thereafter the optical head 2 startsreading. Thereby, the content of “CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2” is accumulatedin the read out channel buffer 6.

The data accumulated in the read out channel buffer 6 is supplied to thedecoder 7 to be decoded, and a video signal and an audio signal aregenerated. When the quantity of data which are readout from the opticaldisc 1, decoded, and displayed becomes equal to the size of“CHUNK_(—)0001. MPEG2”, the CPU 21 is switched over to reproduction ofTITLE_(—)003. The reproduction operation of TITLE_(—)003 is the sameoperation as the reproduction operation of TITLE_(—)002.

When the registered title is reproduced completely or when read outoperation is indicated to be brought to a stop, the reading out anddecoding are brought to a stop.

When a new disc is inserted to the optical disc apparatus as the opticaldisc 1, or when a disc of different format is inserted, the CPU 21 triesto read out VOLUME. TOC and ALBUM. STR when a disc is inserted, however,there is no such file in the disc. In this case, that is, in the casethat VOLUME. TOC and ALBUM. STR can not be read out, the CPU 21generates a message to request an indication from a user. The userindicates to the CPU 21 any of operations, namely, ejection of theoptical disc 1 (for example, in the case that this disk is of differentformat), initialization (for example, in the case that a new disc of thesame format), and resumption of data by any procedure (for example, inthe case that the disc is a disk of the same format but data isdestroyed).

An optical disc apparatus 51 shown in FIG. 36A and B records videosignals compressed according to MPEG2system (referred to as compressedvideo signals) which are supplied from digital satellite broadcast in arecordable optical disc 71, and reproduces the video signal recorded inthe optical disk 71.

The optical disc apparatus 51 is provided with a first input terminal 52for receiving base band digital video signals (or analog video signals)which are not compressed, a second input terminal 53 for receivingcompressed video signal which are compressed according to MPEG2systemfrom a receiving apparatuss 72 for digital satellite broadcast, anencoder 54 for compressing according to MPEG2system the digital videosignal supplied through the first input terminal 52 as it is or analogsignals after A/D conversion, a descramble circuit 55 for descramblingdigital satellite broadcast video signals supplied through the secondterminal, and an MPEG decoder 56 for expanding compressed video signalswhich has been descrambled by the descramble circuit 55.

The optical disc apparatus 51 is provided additionally with acharacteristic point detection circuit for detecting characteristicpoints of un-compressed base band digital video signals (if an inputsignal is an analog video signal, then the signal is subjected to A/Dconversion and a characteristic point is detected) which are suppliedfrom the first input terminal 52 or the MPEG decoder 56, an multiplexingcircuit 58 for multiplexing the compressed video signals generated fromthe encoder 54 or descramble circuit 55 and the characteristic pointfile generated from the characteristic point detection circuit 57, andan recording circuit 59 for recording compressed video signals whichhave been multiplexed by the multiplexing circuit 58 in the optical disc71.

The optical disc apparatus 51 is further additionally provided with areproduction circuit 60 for reproducing compressed video signals andcharacteristic point files recorded in an optical disc 71, a separationcircuit 61 for separating reproduced video signals and characteristicpoint files, an MPEG decoder 62 for decoding separated video signalsaccording to MPEG2system, and a control circuit 63 for performingreproduction control of the reproduction circuit 60 based on separatedcharacteristic point files.

The optical disc apparatus 51 is yet additionally provided with anoperation input unit 64 for being operated by a user and a monitor 65for displaying based band video signals supplied from the first inputterminal, the MPEG decoder 56, and MPEG decoder 62 as dynamic images.

The first input terminal 52 receives a normal un-compressed digitalvideo signal from, for example, a digital video tape recorder. Thenormal un-compressed digital video signal supplied to the first inputterminal 52 is compressed by the MPEG encoder 54 according to theMPEG2system, and supplied to the multiplexing circuit 58. The normalun-compressed digital video signal supplied to the first input terminal52 is also supplied to the characteristic point detection circuit 57.

The second input terminal 53 receives a compressed video signalcompressed according to the MPEG2 system from, for example, a digitalsatellite broadcast receiving apparatus 72. The compressed video signalsupplied to the second input terminal 53 is descrambled by thedescramble circuit 55 using a key code. The descrambled compressed videosignal is supplied to the multiplexing circuit 58. The descrambledcompressed digital video signal is supplied also to the MPEG decoder 56,subjected to expansion processing therein, and supplied to thecharacteristic point detection circuit 57.

The characteristic point detection circuit 57 detects a characteristicpoint information from the video signal when the un-compressed base bandvideo signal is supplied and generates a characteristic point file.

Herein the characteristic point of a video signal is defined as a headfinding point used for reproduction or edition of video signals, forexample, a scene switching frame, or a frame positioned at starting orending point of a program. The characteristic point may be a headpicture of GOP in MPEG or I picture, or a frame having a sound largerthan a certain magnitude or smaller than a certain magnitude (largesound or mute sound). When a characteristic point is detected using GOPand sound in MPEG, the needed information is supplied to thecharacteristic point detection circuit 57.

In a characteristic point file, the information which correlates thetype of the above-mentioned characteristic point to the record positionof the characteristic point in the optical disc 71 is contained. Therecord position of the characteristic point in the optical disc 71 is,for example, a sector address.

Alternatively, the characteristic point may be also specified by a user.For example, a user operates the operation input unit 64 to specify acharacteristic point during real time recording, and at this time, thecharacteristic point detection circuit 57 detects the operated input andgenerates a characteristic point information.

The characteristic point detection circuit 57 supplies the generatedcharacteristic point file to the multiplexing circuit 58.

The multiplexing circuit 58 multiplexes the characteristic point file onthe compressed video signal compressed according to MPEG2 systemsupplied from the descramble circuit 55 or the MPEG encoder 54. Themultiplexed compressed video signal obtained from the characteristicpoint file is subjected to addition of error correction codes andmodulation according to a prescribed modulation system in the recordingcircuit 59, and thereafter recorded in the optical disc 71.

The multiplexing circuit 58 multiplexes the characteristic point file onthe compressed video signal and also multiplexes caption codes and audiodata simultaneously. Alternatively, the multiplexing circuit 58 maymultiplexes the characteristic point file by recording thecharacteristic point file on a management information area such as TOCof the optical disc 71, or may records the characteristic point file inother recording media such as a built-in memory of the optical discapparatus 51 or a memory card instead of multiplexing the characteristicpoint file on the compressed video signal.

As described herein above, the optical disc apparatus 51 can record thecompressed video signal supplied by the way of digital satellitebroadcast in the form of bit stream as it is in the optical disc 71. Theoptical disc apparatus 51 can detect the characteristic point of thevideo signal to be recorded and record the characteristic point with thecompressed video signal as a characteristic point file. Therefore, theoptical disc apparatus 51 records the video signal without deteriorationof the image quality, and further the optical disc apparatus 51 iscapable of random access to the recorded video signal.

On the other hand, the reproduction circuit 60 performs demodulation anderror correction processing to reproduce the compressed video signal andcharacteristic point file recorded in the optical disc 71.

The reproduced compressed video signal and characteristic point file isseparated respectively by the separation circuit 61. The separatedcompressed video signal is subjected to decode processing in the MPEGdecoder 62, and supplied to the monitor 65. The separated characteristicpoint file is supplied to the control circuit 63.

The control circuit 63 controls the reproduction circuit 60 based on thecharacteristic point file information and the operation inputinformation supplied from the operation input unit 64. For example, thecontrol circuit 63 takes a random access to the optical disc 71 based onthe characteristic point information indicated in the characteristicpoint file and the sector address where the characteristic point isrecorded. The reproduction circuit 60 performs, for example, skipreproduction, in which characteristic point frames indicated in thecharacteristic point file is reproduced successively, or performs headfinding reproduction to find a desired scene change frame.

Alternatively, if the characteristic point file is recorded, forexample, in TOC of the optical disc 71, then the control circuit 63displays the information indicated in the characteristic point file onthe monitor 65, a user confirms the displayed content, and the desiredprogram is reproduced from the head.

The above-mentioned MPEG decoder 62 is shown as a circuit independentfrom the MPEG decoder 56 for the purpose of convenience for description,however, one circuit may be used selectively for recording andreproducing.

As described herein above, the optical disc apparatus 51 can reproducethe compressed video signal recorded in the optical disc 71 withoutdeterioration of image quality, and can take random access to therecorded video signal.

By the way, the optical disc apparatus 51 can generates a newcharacteristic point file during reproduction. In detail, in the opticaldisc apparatus 51, an output from the MPEG decoder 62 used forreproduction is supplied to the characteristic point detection circuit57, and a characteristic point file is generated from the base bandvideo signal obtained during the reproduction. The characteristic pointdetection circuit 57 supplies the characteristic point file generatedduring the reproduction to the control circuit 63, and stores thecharacteristic point file in the built-in memory. The control circuit 63may control reproduction of the optical disc 71 based on thecharacteristic point file stored separately in the memory.

In the case that the characteristic point file is generated duringreproduction, the characteristic pint of only the recorded portion isdetected out of the recorded video signal. However, for example, if ahigh speed decoder having a processing speed as high as 4 times or 8times the reproduction speed is used as the MPEG decoder 62, then thecharacteristic point file can be generated before reproduction becauseof read ahead.

The optical disc apparatus 51 multiplexes the characteristic point filegenerated during reproduction on the video signal when reproduction iscompleted or interrupted, and records the characteristic point file inthe optical disc 71. Alternatively, it may be stored differently in thememory of the control circuit 63 provided in the optical disc apparatus51.

FIG. 37 shows accumulation and recording processing of thecharacteristic point information. First in the step S1, the controlcircuit 63 determines whether the input signal is an analog signal, andif the input signal is an analog signal, then the sequence proceeds tothe step S2, the data of 1 GOP is encoded by the MPEG encoder 54. Theencoded bit stream is recorded in the optical disc 71 as a file throughthe multiplexing circuit 58 and recording circuit 59. At this time, thecontrol circuit 63 controls the characteristic point detection circuit57 so as to detect the characteristic point of the input video signalsupplied from the terminal 52. Next, the sequence proceeds to the stepS3, the control circuit 63 stores the characteristic point which isdetected by the characteristic point detection circuit 57 in the step S2in the built-in memory. Further in the next step S4, the control circuit63 determines whether a user indicates the end of recording, and if theend of the recording is not indicated, then the sequence returns to thestep S2, and the following processing is performed repeatedly. If therecording operation is judged as it is ended in the step S4, thesequence proceeds to the step S13.

On the other hand, if the input signal is not an analog signal, then thesequence proceeds to the step S5, the control circuit 63 determineswhether the input signal is a bit stream encoded according to the MPEG2system. If the input signal is a video stream encoded according to theMEPG2 system, then the sequence proceeds to the step S6, and the controlcircuit 63 parses the video data of 1 GOP. In detail, the controlcircuit 63 controls the MPEG decoder 56 so as to decode necessaryinformation as the characteristic point information such as GOP startingpoint of the bit stream, picture type, and length from the headerinformation contained in the bit stream. The characteristic pointdetection circuit 57 detects the characteristic point information fromthe information decoded by the MPEG decoder 56. The input signal isrecorded in the file.

Next, the sequence proceeds to the step S7, the control circuit 63stores the characteristic point information detected by thecharacteristic point detection circuit 57 in the built-in memory. Atthis time, because the video stream which has been stored is alreadyencoded according to the MPEG2 system, the MPEG encoder 54 supplies theinput bit stream to the multiplexing circuit 58 as it is, and recordsthe bit stream in the optical disc 71 through the recording circuit 59.

In the step S8, the control circuit 63 determines whether the end of therecording operation is commanded, and if the result is NO, the sequencereturns to the step S6, and the following processing is executedrepeatedly. In the step S8, if the result is YES, the sequence proceedsto the step S13.

On the other hand, in the step S5, if the input signal is determined tobe an video stream not encoded according to the MPEG2 system, then thesequence proceeds to the step S9, and the control circuit 63 determineswhether the video signal can be parsed (the structure of the videosignal can be detected). If the result is YES, then the sequenceproceeds to the step S10, the control circuit 63 parses the video signalof one access unit. In detail, the control circuit 63 controls the MPEGdecoder 56 to decode the input video stream (therefore, the MPEG decoder56 is capable of functioning to decode data which are encoded accordinga system other than the MPEG2 system in addition to data encodedaccording to the MPEG2 system), and supplies the decoded video stream tothe characteristic point detection circuit 57 based on the headerinformation to detect the characteristic point. At this time, the inputvideo stream passes the MPEG encoder 54 as it is, and is recorded in thefile in the optical disc 71 through the multiplexing circuit 58 andrecording circuit 59. Further in the step S11, the characteristic pointinformation is stored in the built-in memory. In the step S12, thecontrol circuit 63 determines whether the end of the recording operationis commanded, and if the result is NO, then the sequence returns to thestep S10, and the following processing is performed repeatedly. In thestep S12, the determined result is YES, then the sequence proceeds tothe step S13.

In the step S13, the control circuit 63 supplies the characteristicpoint information stored in the built-in memory to the characteristicpoint detection circuit 57 to generate a file, and stores it as the filein the optical disc 1 through the multiplexing circuit 58 and recordingcircuit 59.

In the step S9, if the determined result is NO, then the control circuit63 brought the recording operation to an end.

The characteristic point information will be described herein under indetail. Two purposes of introduction of the characteristic point file isdescribed herein under.

Reduce access time during variable speed reproduction to realize fastervariable reproduction.

Not embed the information in a stream to reduce the load duringrecording.

By achieving these purposes, the following effect is expected.

MPEG2 video stream is edited in frame accuracy.

Switching between two streams during reproduction is performed smoothly(seamless reproduction).

The characteristic point information is an arrangement of extractednecessary information for each small unit of the bit stream. The smallunit is determined with matching to the characteristic of the bitstream, for example, in the case of an MPEG video stream, 1 GOPcorresponds to the small unit, and in the case of audio, 1 audio framecorresponds to the small unit. In this case, the characteristic pointinformation includes the information such as the relative number ofbytes from the file head located at the starting position of each GOPand audio frame and the reproduction time.

The optical disc apparatus 51 accumulates temporarily the extractedcharacteristic point information in the memory and finally records it inthe optical disc 1. If the file in which the characteristic pointinformation is recorded has been lost, it is possible to re-structure itby parsing the stream. If there is no characteristic point informationfile or the characteristic point information can not be generated, thenthe reproduction is performed without using the characteristic pointinformation. In this case, the reproduction is partially limited. Forexample, only the normal reproduction from the chunk head is possible,or un-natural connection between chunks at switching can happen tooccur.

The detailed characteristic point information is shown in FIG. 24 asdescribed herein above. The CHUNK %%%%. ABST is a file in which thecharacteristic point extracted from the bit stream which is thecomponent of the chunk of sub_file number %%%% is recorded. In thisfile, the starting byte position, length, and attribute are describedfor each bit stream unit structure such as GOP or audio frame. GOPinformation and audio frame information are collected for each chunk(sub_file) as 1 CHUNK_%%%%. ABST.

file_type_id is structured as shown in FIG. 38, this is an identifierfor representing that this is a file in which the characteristic pointinformation is recorded, and represented with a character string having16 characters according to ISO-646.

info_type represents the type of subsequent stream_info, and specifiesthe type of stream as shown in FIG. 39.

cognizant_recording_indicator shown in FIG. 40 represents whether thischunk is recorded by a recording apparatus which is capable ofunderstanding and updating CCI (Copy Control Information).

number_of_programs represents the number of programs contained in TS(Transport Stream), and it is necessary to read PSI (Program SpecificInformation) for recognizing the number. If the number_of_programs isthe number other than TS, then the value is 1.

number_of_streams represents the number of streams used in this program,if the number is the number of TS, then the value is the number ofdifferent PID (packet identification). If the stream is the MPEG streamother than TS, the number of streams having a different stream id isloaded in this place.

stream_identifier represents a stream id, and in the case of TS, PID isused as the stream id.

slot_unit_type shown in FIG. 41 indicates division methods which havebeen used when the stream is divided with a certain interval. In thecase that the index of division is the time such as each frame andfield, the time stamp is used.

slot_time_length represents the time which corresponds to 1 slot, and isrepresented with a value of a time stamp which uses 90 kHz counter.

number of slots represents the number of slots which are written in thetable.

number_of_thinned_out_slots represents the number of slots which arethinned out, and the value of 0 indicates that all the slots representedwith slot unit type are recorded in this file. The slot which isgenerated first for each stream can not be shinned out.

text_block ( ) is an area where various texts are stored, only the textitem which is permitted to be used in files which contain the text_block( ) is described.

bitstream_attribute ( ) represents the elementary stream of the MPEG orattribute of each video and audio stream other than MPEG. The syntax isrepresented in FIG. 42.

bitstream_attribute_id shown in FIG. 43 is an identifier which indicatesthat bitstream_attribute ( ) starts from this position, and isrepresented with a character string having 16 characters according toISO-646.

bitstream_attribute_length is contained in bitstream_attribute ( ), andrepresents the length of data byte which is subsequent to the field ofbitstream_attribute_length.

attribute_type represents the type of attribute which is subsequent nextas shown in FIG. 44.

video_attribute ( ) is collected for each stream of the video. Becausechunk unit is a continuous streams, the attribute is determined for eachunit.

Syntax of video_attribute ( ) is shown in FIG. 45.

input_video_source represents the type of input source as shown in FIG.46.

video_compression_mode represents the method for encoding the video suchas MPEG1 video, MEPG2 video and DV as shown in FIG. 47.

picture_rate represents the sampling time period of 1 picture as shownin FIG. 48, and represents the shortest time period of the pictureregardless of picture scan type.

picture_scan_type represents which method out of a method in which 1picture is recorded progressively and a method in which picture isrecorded in interlace is used. The display method is a problem ofmounting.

vertical_lines represents the number of scanning line as shown in FIG.50.

horizontal_active pixels represents the effective pixels in thehorizontal direction.

aspect_ratio represents the aspect ratio as shown in FIG. 51.

pixel_ratio represents the squareness of the pixel (1:1 or 1:1.25) asshown in FIG. 52.

CC_existence represents the existence of Closed Caption as shown in FIG.53.

recording_mode represents recording mode of VDR (SP (Standard Play) orLP (Long Play)) as shown in FIG. 54.

copyright_information represents the copyright information.

audio_attribute ( ) is an area where the attribute of audio stream isrecorded, and an arrangement of constant attribute in the chunk for eachstream ID. In the case that a plurality of audio streams having the samestream ID is recorded in different times, all the audio streams shouldhave the same attribute. Each channel in 1 audio stream has the samecoding mode, quantization bit, and sampling frequency.

Syntax of audio_attribute ( ) is shown in FIG. 55.

number of audio streams represents the total number of streams which areregarded as audio streams recorded in the chunk, and means the number ofaudio streams having different stream id. The audio stream is regardlessof the starting position (the starting position is referred to thecharacteristic point file).

stream_id represents the stream id of the addressed audio stream.

sub_stream_id represents the id which assists in determining theaddressed audio stream.

language_code represents a language code of the stream and is writtenaccording to ISO639-2.

input_source represents the input source of the stream as shown in FIG.56. If it is unknown, then it is written as “0000b”.

audio_coding_mode represents the coding mode of the audio stream asshown in FIG. 57.

bitrate represents fixed or variable bit rate as shown in FIG. 58.

q_bit represents the number of quantization bits (24, 20, 16, 12, etc.)as shown in FIG. 59.

fs represent the sampling frequency of the audio stream as shown in FIG.60.

emphasis represents the flag of emphasis as shown in FIG. 61, and iseffective for LPCM stream.

number_of channels represents the number of channels (1 (mono) to 8).

status_of_this_channel represents the state of channel and representswhether channels used for overflow record is residual, for example,represents the space channel.

channel_assignment represents that what channel is assigned to whatspeaker (L. R. Center, Rear, L, Rear R, , , ) and is effective for LPCMstream.

Dynamic_range_control is represents Dynamic range control.

karaoke ( ) represents karaoke related data.

slot_info ( ) is formed by dividing a stream into units specified byslot_type, an by extracting the characteristic of the stream for eachsmall unit (slot). slot_info ( ) is used selectively for each type ofstream.

Syntax of slot_info ( ) is shown in FIG. 62.

slot_info_id is an identifier which indicates the position from whichslot_info ( ) starts as shown in FIG. 63, and is represented with acharacter string having 16 characters according to ISO 646.

Syntax of slot_info_for_one_GOP ( ) is shown in FIG. 64.

slot_info_for_one GOP ( ) is the characteristic extracted from the MPEGvideo stream, and the basic slot unit is 1 GOP.

slot_info_one_GOP ( ) is repeated the number of times equivalent to thenumber of GOP in the stream.

slot_start_point used hereinafter represents the head position of aslot, and is arranged in byte align. Head bytes of all the GOP headersin the stream should be slot_start_point. Further, the head byte of thepicture header of I-picture may be slot_start_point.

slot_length represents the length from this slot_start_point to the nextslot_start_point in the form of byte, and in the case of the firststream or final stream, slot_length represents the length from the heador tail respectively.

(in case of “info_type ==MEPG1_System_stream”)

sequence_header_start_offset indicates the first byte of Sequence headerwhich is located before the addressed slot_start_point bit position andis located nearest to slot_start_point. The value is represented withthe absolute value of the relative number of bytes fromslot_start_point.

packet_start_offset indicates the head byte of the packet header of apacket which contains the byte position indicated bysequence_header_start_offset. The value is represented with the absolutevalue of the relative number of bytes from slot_start_point.

sequence_header_start_offset indicates the first byte of the sequenceheader which is located before the addressed slot_start_point bitposition and is located nearest to the slot_start_point. The value isrepresented with the absolute value of the relative number of bytes fromslot_start_point.

PES_packet_start_offset indicates the head byte of the packet header ofa PES packet which contains the byte position indicated bysequence_header start offset. The value is represented with the absolutevalue of the relative number of bytes from slot_start_point.

pack_start_offset indicates the head byte of the pack header of a packwhich contains the byte position indicated withsequence_header_start_offset. The value is represented with the absolutevalue of the relative number of bytes from slot_start_point.

(in case of “info_type==MPEG2_System_TS”)

sequence_header_start_offset indicates the first byte of the sequenceheader which is located before the addressed slot_start_point bitposition and is located nearest to the slot_start_point. The value isrepresented with the absolute value of the relative number of bytes fromslot_start_point.

TS_packet_start_offset indicates the head byte of the packet header of aTS packet which contains the byte position indicated withsequence_header_start_offset. The value is represented with the numberobtained by dividing the absolute value of the relative number of bytesfrom the head byte of the packet header of a TS which containsslot_start_point by 188.

PES_packet_start_offset indicates the head byte of the PES packet whichcontains the byte position indicated with TS_packet_start_offset. Thevalue is represented with the absolute value of the relative number ofbytes from slot_start_point.

TS_packet_start_offset2 indicates the head byte of the TS packet whichcontains the byte position indicated with PES_packet_start_offset. Thevalue is obtained by dividing the absolute value of the relative numberof bytes from the head byte of the packet header of the TS packet whichcontains slot_start_point by 188.

(in case of “info_type==MEPG2_System_PS”)

sequence_header_start_offset indicates the first byte of the sequenceheader located before the addressed slot_start_point bit position and islocated nearest to the slot_start_point. The value is represented withthe absolute value of the relative number of bytes from theslot_start_point.

PES_packet_start_offset indicates the head byte of the packet header ofthe PES packet which contains the byte position indicated withsequence_header_start_offset. The value is represented with the absolutevalue of the relative number of bytes from the slot_start point.GOPH_existence_flag is a flag for representing whether the header justbefore slot_start_pint is GOP header, and is effective only when theaddressed slot_start_point is a picture header.

first_presented_picture_structure is picture_structure of a picturedisplayed first of this slot as shown in FIG. 65.

copy_closed_GOP represents copy of a closed GOP flag value of GOP headercorresponding to this slot.

copy_broken_link represents copy of the broken link flag valuecorresponding to this slot.

time_stamp_of_first_picture represents the time stamp of the picturewhich is displayed first in the addressed slot or the time informationor the like for AV synchronization.

GOP_status represents GOP status and is composed of flags, for example,for indicating the inclusion of editing point.

picture_count_type represents picture count type (frame or field) asshown in FIG. 66. Because of the problem of 3-2 pull down and top orbottom field first, picture count in frame unit can cause an error, itis allowed to count in field unit.

number_of_picture represents the number of pictures contained in theslot, and is a value counted in the unit specified withpicture_count_type.

encode_info ( ) represents an area for recording the informationsupplied from the encoder which encodes this stream.

buffer_occupancy ( ) represents the information which relates to bufferoccupancy.

camera_info ( ) represents the image taking condition information(camera movement correction information, aperture of camera, shutterspeed, brightness) in the case that this information is the informationobtained using a video camera.

reserved represents an extended area.

Syntax of slot_info_for_one_audio_frame ( ) is shown in FIG. 67.

MPEG audio stream information is written in the order of bit stream filearrangement for each AAU (Audio Access Unit: audio frame).

AAU_storage_length represents the difference between the head address ofthe PES packet which contains the head of the addressed AAU and the headof the PES packet which contains the head of the next AAU, and to findthe position of the packet in which the head of AAU, difference valuesare added.

AAU_start_byte_position represents the length from the head of the PESpacket which contains the head of the addressed AAU to the head byte ofAAU.

flags represents various flags.

encode_info ( ) represents an area for recording the informationsupplied from an encoder which encodes this stream.

camera_info ( ) represents the image taking condition information(camera movement correction information, aperture of camera, shutterspeed, brightness, frame taking photographing, AE mode, WB mode,planning speed, shutter) in the case that this information is an imageinformation obtained using a video camera.

Syntax of slot_info_for_one_time_slot ( ) is shown in FIG. 68.

The cases that the present invention is applied to optical discapparatuses are described hereinbefore as examples, howeveralternatively, the present invention may be applied to the case thatother recording media are used for recording or reproducing theinformation.

As the distribution media for distributing the computer program forperforming processing as described hereinbefore to users, recordingmedia such as magnetic discs, CD-ROMs, and solid memories as well ascommunication media such as network and satellite may be used.

Because according to the recording apparatus described in claim 1, therecording method described in claim 5, and distribution medium describedin claim 6, the characteristic point information of the video signal oraudio signal contained in the file is recorded in a recording medium foreach file, it is possible to control reproduction of the video signal oraudio signal in file unit.

Because according to the reproduction apparatus described in claim 7,the reproduction method described in claim 8, and distribution mediumdescribed in claim 9, reproduction of the file is controlled based onthe characteristic point information recorded in the recording mediumfor each file, it is possible to manage the file.

Because according to the recording apparatus described in claim 10, therecording method described in claim 11, and the distribution medium, thecharacteristic point information of the video signal is detected, andthe video signal and characteristic point information are both recordedin a recording medium, then recording is performed without deteriorationof the image quality, and it is possible to take random access to therecorded video signal. Because it is possible to recording/reproducingin the same system, high cost of a recording/reproducing apparatuses aresuppressed regardless that the video signal is compressed or notcompressed.

Because according to the recording/reproducing apparatus,recording/reproducing method described, and the distribution medium,files and characteristic point information of each file are recorded ina recording medium, reproduction of files is controlled correspondinglyto the characteristic point information reproduced from the recordingmedium, it is possible to realize an easy file management system.

What is claimed is:
 1. A recording apparatus, comprising: stream filegeneration means for generating stream files containing video and/oraudio signals; the stream files being composed of MPEG compressed videodata; characteristic point information generation means for generatingplural types of characteristic point information from the video and/oraudio signals contained in each stream file generated by said filegeneration means; the characteristic point information includingpositional information indicating a user designated position and contentrelated positions; the characteristic point information being includedin a management information file corresponding to each stream file andbeing used to access characteristic points when reproducing the streamfiles; and recording means for recording the stream files andcorresponding management information files containing the plural typesof characteristic point information in a recording medium, themanagement information files being recorded in a different area of saidrecording medium than the stream files; the type of characteristic pointinformation being correlated with a record position of thecharacteristic point information.
 2. A recording apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said characteristic point information is a headposition finding information, pointer information, slot_info( ), orvideo_attribute.
 3. A recording apparatus as claimed in claim 2, whereinsaid video_attribute contains aspect_ratio or display_mode.
 4. Arecording method, including: a stream file generation step forgenerating stream files containing video and/or audio signals; thestream files being composed of MPEG compressed video data; acharacteristic point information generation step of generating pluraltypes of characteristic point information from the video and/or audiosignals contained in each stream file generated by said file generationstep; the characteristic point information including positionalinformation indicating a user designated position and content relatedpositions; the characteristic point information being included in amanagement information file corresponding to each stream file and beingused to access characteristic points when reproducing the stream files;and a recording step of recording the stream files and correspondingmanagement information files containing the plural types ofcharacteristic point information in a recording medium, the managementinformation files being recorded in a different area of said recordingmedium than the stream files: the type of characteristic pointinformation being correlated with a record position of thecharacteristic point information.
 5. A distribution medium fordistributing a program which is read by a computer to control aninformation processing apparatus, including: a stream file generationstep for generating stream files containing video and/or audio signals;the stream files being composed of MPEG compressed video data; acharacteristic point information generation step of generating pluraltypes of characteristic point information from the video and/or audiosignals contained in each stream file generated by said file generationstep; the characteristic point information including positionalinformation indicating a user designated position and content relatedpositions; the characteristic point information being included in amanagement information file corresponding to each stream file and beingused to access characteristic points when reproducing the stream files;and a recording step of recording the stream files and correspondingmanagement information files containing the plural types ofcharacteristic point information in a recording medium, the managementinformation files being recorded in a different area of said recordingmedium than the stream files; the type of characteristic pointinformation being correlated with a record position of thecharacteristic point information.
 6. A reproducing apparatus,comprising: stream file reproducing means for reproducing stream filescontaining video and/or audio signals recorded on a recording medium;the stream files being composed of MPEG compressed video data;characteristic point information reproducing means for reproducingplural types of characteristic point information from a managementinformation file corresponding to each stream file reproduced by saidstream file reproducing means; the characteristic point informationincluding positional information indicating a user designated positionand content related positions; the management information files beinglocated in a different area of said recording medium than the streamfiles; the type of characteristic point information being correlatedwith a record position of the characteristic point information; andreproduction control means for controlling reproduction of said streamfiles based on the plural types of said characteristic point informationreproduced from the corresponding management information files by saidcharacteristic point information reproducing means.
 7. A reproducingmethod, including: a stream file reproducing step of reproducing streamfiles containing video and/or audio signals recorded on a recordingmedium; the stream files being composed of MPEG compressed video data; acharacteristic point information reproducing step of reproducing pluraltypes of characteristic point information from a management informationfile corresponding to each stream file reproduced by said stream filereproducing step; the characteristic point information includingpositional information indicating a user designated position and contentrelated positions; the management information files being located in adifferent area of said recording medium than the stream files; the typeof characteristic point information being correlated with a recordposition of the characteristic point information; and a reproductioncontrol step of controlling reproduction of said stream files based onthe plural types of said characteristic point information reproducedfrom the corresponding management information files in saidcharacteristic point information reproducing step.
 8. A distributionmedium for distributing a program which is read by a computer to controlan information processing apparatus, including: a stream filereproducing step of reproducing stream files containing video and/oraudio signals recorded on a recording medium; the stream files beingcomposed of MPEG compressed video data; a characteristic pointinformation reproducing step of reproducing plural types ofcharacteristic point information from a management information filecorresponding to each stream file reproduced by said stream filereproducing step; the characteristic point information includingpositional information indicating a user designated position and contentrelated positions; the management information files being located in adifferent area of said recording medium than the stream files; the typeof characteristic point information being correlated with a recordposition of the characteristic point information; and a reproductioncontrol step of controlling reproduction of said stream files based onthe plural types of said characteristic point information reproducedfrom the corresponding management information files in saidcharacteristic point information reproducing step.
 9. Arecording/reproducing apparatus, comprising: stream file generationmeans for generating stream files containing video and/or audio signals;the stream files being composed of MPEG compressed video data;characteristic point information generation means for generating pluraltypes of characteristic point information from the video and/or audiosignals contained in each stream file generated by said file generationmeans; the characteristic point information including positionalinformation indicating a user designated position and content relatedpositions; the characteristic point information being included in amanagement information file corresponding to each stream file and beingused to access characteristic points when reproducing the stream files;recording means for recording the stream files and correspondingmanagement information files containing the plural types ofcharacteristic point information in a recording medium, the managementinformation files being recorded in a different area of said recordingmedium than the stream files; the type of characteristic pointinformation being correlated with a record position of thecharacteristic point information; stream file reproducing means forreproducing the stream files which contain video and/or audio signalsrecorded on said recording medium; characteristic point informationreproducing means for reproducing the plural types of characteristicpoint information from a management information file corresponding toeach stream file reproduced by said stream file reproducing means; andreproduction control means for controlling reproduction of said streamfiles based on the plural types of said characteristic point informationreproduced from the corresponding management information files by saidcharacteristic point information reproducing means.
 10. Arecording/reproducing method, including: a stream file generation stepfor generating stream files containing video and/or audio signals; thestream files being composed of MPEG compressed video data; acharacteristic point information generation step of generating pluraltypes of characteristic point information from the video and/or audiosignals contained in each stream file generated by said file generationstep; the characteristic point information including positionalinformation indicating a user designated position and content relatedpositions; the characteristic point information being included in amanagement information file corresponding to each stream file and beingused to access characteristic points when reproducing the stream files;a recording step of recording the stream files and correspondingmanagement information files containing the plural types ofcharacteristic point information in a recording medium, the managementinformation files being recorded in a different area of said recordingmedium than the stream files; the type of characteristic pointinformation being correlated with a record position of thecharacteristic point information; a stream file reproducing step ofreproducing the stream files which contain video and/or audio signalsrecorded on said recording medium; a characteristic point informationreproducing step of reproducing plural types of characteristic pointinformation from a management information file corresponding to eachstream file reproduced by said stream file reproducing step; and areproduction control step of controlling reproduction of said streamfiles based on the plural types of said characteristic point informationreproduced from the corresponding management information files in saidcharacteristic point information reproducing step.
 11. A distributionmedium for distributing programs which are read by a computer to controlan information processing apparatus, including: a stream file generationstep for generating stream files containing video and/or audio signals;the stream files being composed of MPEG compressed video data; acharacteristic point information generation step of generating pluraltypes of characteristic point information from the video and/or audiosignals contained in each stream file generated by said file generationstep; the characteristic point information including positionalinformation indicating a user designated position and content relatedpositions; the characteristic point information being included in amanagement information file corresponding to each stream file and beingused to access characteristic points when reproducing the stream files;a recording step of recording the stream files and correspondingmanagement information files containing the plural types ofcharacteristic point information in a recording medium, the managementinformation files being recorded in a different area of said recordingmedium than the stream files; the type of characteristic pointinformation being correlated with a record position of thecharacteristic point information; a stream file reproducing step ofreproducing the stream files which contain video and/or audio signalsrecorded on said recording medium; a characteristic point informationreproducing step of reproducing plural types of characteristic pointinformation from a management information file corresponding to eachstream file reproduced by said stream file reproducing step; and areproduction control step of controlling reproduction of said streamfiles based on the plural types of said characteristic point informationreproduced from the corresponding management information files in saidcharacteristic point information reproducing step.